Chicago in december: average Weather, Temperature and Climate
Weather in Chicago in december 2026
The weather in Chicago in december comes from statistical datas on the past years. You can view the weather statistics for the whole month, but also navigating through the tabs for the beginning, the middle and the end of the month.
Average weather throughout december
very bad weather 206.2cm
Weather at 6am
32°F
Cloudy
27% of time
26%
20%
17%
Weather at 12pm
36°F
Clear/Sunny
27% of time
27%
21%
17%
Weather at 6pm
34°F
Clear/Sunny
29% of time
23%
21%
17%
Weather at 3am
32°F
27%
24%
21%
19%
Evolution of daily average temperature and precipitation in Chicago in december
These charts show the evolution of average minimum/maximum temperatures as well as average daily precipitation volume in Chicago in december.
The climate of Chicago in december is very bad
In december in Chicago, the climate is wet (with 3.3in of rainfall over 4 days). The situation is deteriorating compared to the previous month since in november there is an average of 3.4in of rainfall over 5 days.
The climate is quite cold there the month of december. Plan to cover you well! The thermometer averaged maximum of 38°F. In the morning the temperature drops to 32°F. Thus, the mean temperature average on this month of december in Chicago is 34°F. Note that seasonal normals in contrast with those observed in Chicago in december with a maximum record of 63°F in 2021 and a minimum record of -2°F in 2016. You need to prepare to have about 17 days with temperatures under 32°F, or 55% of the month.
Day length in Chicago in december is 09:08. The sun rises at 07:12 and sunset is at 16:20.
December: another location in the United States (USA)?
If you want to go to the United States (USA) in december, there are destinations with better weather than Chicago:
In december, Miami (Florida) has perfect weather.
Furthermore, Hawaii (Honolulu), Houston, Myrtle Beach, Phoenix (Arizona), Carolina Beach and Dauphin Island (Alabama) have good weather.
Finally, California, Louisiana, Atlanta, Dallas, Austin and Big Bend National Park (Texas) have a tolerable climate, but better than Chicago.
Seasonal average climate and temperature of Chicago in december
Check below seasonal norms These datas are compiled from the weather statements of the past years of the month of december.
| December | |||||
| Outside temperature | |||||
| Average temperature | 34°F | ||||
| Highest temperature | 38°F | ||||
| Lowest temperature | 32°F | ||||
| Highest record temperature | 63°F (2021) | ||||
| Lowest record temperature | -2°F (2016) | ||||
| Number of days at +65°F | 0 day(s) (0%) | ||||
| Number of days at -32°F | 17 day(s) (55%) | ||||
| Sea temperature | |||||
| Average sea temperature | 43°F | ||||
| Lowest sea temperature | 38°F | ||||
| Highest sea temperature | 48°F | ||||
| Wind | |||||
| Wind speed | 24km/h | ||||
| Wind temperature | 22°F | ||||
| Precipitation (rainfall) | |||||
| Rainfall | 3.3in | ||||
| Number of days with rainfall | 4 day(s) (14%) | ||||
| Record daily rainfall | 2.7in (2020) | ||||
| Snowfall | 206.2cm | ||||
| Other climate data | |||||
| Humidity | 83% | ||||
| Visibility | 8.33km | ||||
| Cloud cover | 56% | ||||
| UV index | 2 | ||||
| Daily sunshine hours | 7 | ||||
| Sunrise and sunset | |||||
| Time of sunrise | 07:12 | ||||
| Time of sunset | 16:20 | ||||
| Length of day | 09:08 | ||||
| Our opinion about the weather in december | |||||
| Our opinion at whereandwhen.net | very bad | ||||
How was the weather last december?
Here is the day by day recorded weather in Chicago in december 2025:
23°F to 31°F
27°F to 29°F
25°F to 34°F
14°F to 23°F
14°F to 31°F
29°F to 32°F
32°F to 36°F
23°F to 27°F
27°F to 36°F
32°F to 38°F
20°F to 27°F
31°F to 34°F
14°F to 27°F
5°F to 18°F
11°F to 25°F
22°F to 38°F
31°F to 34°F
40°F to 41°F
13°F to 25°F
25°F to 36°F
20°F to 29°F
29°F to 40°F
36°F to 38°F
34°F to 36°F
36°F to 38°F
34°F to 38°F
38°F to 41°F
43°F to 54°F
16°F to 27°F
14°F to 27°F
27°F to 32°F
Map: other cities in the United States (USA) in december
Cities near Chicago:
| Illinois in december | very bad weather |
| Wisconsin in december | very bad weather |
| Indianapolis in december | very bad weather |
| Detroit in december | very bad weather |
| Cincinnati in december | very bad weather |
| St. Louis (Missouri) in december | very bad weather |
| Louisville (Kentucky) in december | very bad weather |
| Cleveland in december | very bad weather |
| Des Moines in december | very bad weather |
| Missouri in december | very bad weather |
| Minneapolis (Minnesota) in december | very bad weather |
| Nashville in december | very bad weather |
Click over cities on the map for information about the weather in december.
Chicago
perfect weather
good
tolerable
bad
very bad
Weather data for Chicago in december:
Weather data for Chicago for december are derived from an average of the weather forecast since 2009 in Chicago. There is a margin of error and these forecasts are to be considered as general information only. The weather in Chicago can vary slightly from year to year, but this data should limit surprises. So you can pack your bags or check for the best time in year to go to Chicago.